Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl is standing behind stances taken by mayors in Chicago and Boston against Chick-fil-A after the company’s president said he was not in favor gay marriage.

“I came out in support of gay marriage and support the right of gay couples to marry and would be supportive of them in this case as well,” Ravenstahl said Thursday.

Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy said he doesn't support same-sex marriage. The fast-food chain said it has a history of applying biblically based principles to its business, such as closing stores on Sundays.

Advertisement

Related Content

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel told the Chicago Tribune that Cathy’s comments "disrespect our fellow neighbors and residents," and therefore building the restaurant in Chicago "would be a bad investment, since it would be empty."

Last week, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino told the Boston Herald he would block Chick-fil-A from opening a restaurant in the city.

“I could not agree more with the mayors in terms of their positions, and I couldn't disagree more with Chick-fil-A and their position, and if it's appropriate for us to take a hard stand and say, ‘You're not welcomed,’ we'll consider it,” said Ravenstahl.

Ravenstahl said there are currently no plans for a Chick-fil-A restaurant in the city.

“I absolutely disagree with the stance against gay marriages. I think everyone should have the right to love who they choose,” said Sarah Edsall.

“They should be able to do whatever they want. I don't believe in talking them down. It's kind of wrong for Chick-fil-A to do that,” said Tyler Wagner.

Dave Jones said the company should be allowed to have its own opinion on gay marriage.

“And they don't discriminate. They have some of the nicest and polite workers,” he said.

“Now, if you don't accept the whole agenda, you're a bigot, and that's just backwards. It doesn't make logical sense,” said Jeff Owens.

Chick-fil-A did not respond to Channel 4’s request for comment, but the fast-food chain said that it strives to "treat every person with honor, dignity and respect -- regardless of their belief, race, creed, sexual orientation or gender," the Boston Herald reported.